Does Staging Really Make That Much Difference in NW Indiana?

In the midwest, new concepts and services are slow to catch on. We are a 'watch and wait' breed, preferring to watch things crash and burn - or succeed as it may - in other parts of the country while we plod along in the tried and true until something else tried and true comes along.

This is definitely true in the world of staging, as I am still told by resistant agents that it is not necessary stage in NW Indiana. They still think it will not make any difference and that buyers do not care what a house looks like. Many agents are still convinced that if a buyer likes the layout, price, and location of a home they are willing to do whatever they need to do to bring it up to their personal tastes. Really?,I ask. Because my experience tells me otherwise.

This house sat on the market for 6 months with no offers.

It has a the sought after layout of a main floor master suite, open plan kitchen and living area and second floor guest rooms.

After staging, an offer was presented in less than 45 days.

This scenario plays out over and over again - not just on the west coast, but in Northwest Indiana. Staging does make a difference, no matter what prior experience may tell you. The face of real estate of changing even in the midwest.

Buyers and sellers alike are realizing the value that staging brings when the marketing of a house is so crucial in such a tough market. Nothing makes a house more marketable than staging.

If you have a listing that needs a marketing boost in the Northwest Indiana area, contact Kimberly Wester at Details Staging and Redesign by phone 219-241-7252 or email kim@detailsstagingandredesign.com

Gina - You are right! I just wish one house at a time was a faste process! :)

Kimo - Yes, you are right. The lighting in the second photo could be better, but unfortunately I had to take it during the brightest time of the day with a week flash.:( I have others that are better, but from a different angle that were used on the MLS. The ceiling was painted, but only on the vertical surfaces to make the tray pop out.

As a home inspector here in Indy, I have to totally agree with you Kimberly. I inspect a great deal of vacant homes that have been sitting on the market since the great flood. Most of them are really nice homes and have great curb appeal, but as soon as you walk inside the complete emptiness of the rooms are less than inviting. A good stager will turn that emptiness into a warm and inviting oasis and at the same time give the potential buyers some decorating tips and show them what can be done with the home. The old adage is true....first impressions DO count!

The answer to your headline is, Yes it does make a difference,,,, you make a difference. You could not be more correct about the Plodding along, but I assure you, we're getting close, very, very close...

Mike - Could you come up here and tell all that to all of the agents here? They aren't listening to me... Thanks for your support and have you ever considered promoting Linda Barnett? She could certainly make the houses you inspect much more pleasant! :)

Gary - Send some promotional materials to Mike the inspector - tell him I sent you. ;) The dam is going to break some day!

Cynthia - Thanks! I used 'Classic Taupe' by Behr. It is a very warm color that I have used several times. In this instance, it just happened to accent the tile in the master bath perfectly.

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